Mounting Ecological Risks: Congress Criticizes Government Over Sikkim Hydel Projects

Congress has criticized the government for unplanned hydroelectric projects in Sikkim's fragile ecological zones. A recent landslide damaged a major hydroelectric project on the Teesta River, highlighting ecological and social costs. The opposition urged for a development approach mindful of environmental consequences and local community needs.

In the aftermath of recent landslides in Sikkim, the Congress party on Wednesday criticized the government, stating that hydroelectric projects have been developed in ecologically sensitive regions without adequate consideration of their cumulative environmental impacts.

The opposition highlighted that dams on the Teesta River exemplify how ecology is being fundamentally disrupted, posing severe risks for current and future generations. A massive landslide struck East Sikkim on Tuesday, damaging sections of a 510-megawatt hydroelectric project on the Teesta River.

This disaster followed catastrophic floods and glacial lake outbursts in the Teesta River basin in October 2023. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh condemned the Union Budget for insufficiently addressing the pressing needs of the region, calling for developmental frameworks that prioritize ecological balance.

(With inputs from agencies.)